Compared to more agile techniques, that style seemed somewhat heavy and awkward, but in fact, it was the most suitable choice for someone not skilled in hand-to-hand combat.
Arima Shinya thought about this briefly, then let out a small sigh.
He also assumed a combat stance.
Sideways, one foot in front of the other. Both hands clenched into fists — the right hand forward, the left drawn back close to the body.
Seeing this movement, Yoruichi's eyes immediately lit up.
— Hey, Aizen, you weren't giving him private lessons, were you?
The man in question just shook his head respectfully.
— Not yet, Lady Yoruichi.
— Then how did this boy learn this kind of stance?
And that wasn't all.
Yoruichi tilted her head slightly, raising her index finger toward her face, revealing an expression full of interest.
— I'm sure that the last time we fought, he didn't have this presence… To reach this level in just a few days…
If Aizen hadn't trained him, there was only one possible explanation:
That boy truly had "innate talent."
Aizen smiled faintly, neither confirming nor denying, and silently observed Arima Shinya's back.
— As Lady Yoruichi said, Shinya-kun's growth rate is remarkable. Given more time, he will surely become someone capable of acting independently.
At the top of the dojo, after a brief exchange of glances and silence, the first to attack was Ōmaeda Hishinobu.
With an explosive shout, he charged forward like a bull, directly lunging at Arima Shinya.
Standing over two meters tall, his figure commanded respect — he even looked like a bear in attack.
But Arima Shinya observed everything coolly, showing no reaction on his face.
His body moved before he even thought.
He stepped back halfway, twisted his body — knees bent, gathering force.
The energy surged through his body, propelling him forward.
In the blink of an eye, agile as the wind, Arima Shinya slid under Hishinobu's arm, passing beneath his armpit.
— …?!
Realizing the emptiness before him, Hishinobu's eyes widened, completely shocked.
But his reaction came too late.
Arima Shinya, now in an advantageous position, narrowed his eyes and silently grabbed the opponent's neck — in a move identical to the one Yoruichi had used on him days ago.
Yes.
He replicated exactly the strike that had previously caused him defeat!
Seeing this, Yoruichi couldn't hide a satisfied smile.
— Not bad, brat!
Aizen, observing from the side, gave him a calm glance.
— What exactly does Lady Yoruichi mean by that?
— Don't play dumb, Aizen. At the academy, they teach the old man's outdated stuff, right? The "Genryū" style is the core content of the lessons.
Yoruichi raised her index finger, drawing in the air.
— But that's so antiquated! It's the old man's traditional style, sure, but for beginners, it's hard to use. Unlike other combat styles — which, with some training, are already useful and even lethal.
Aizen adjusted his glasses, impassive.
— So, Lady Yoruichi means that Shinya-kun doesn't adhere to form, and chooses the style best suited to himself, applying it flexibly?
— Exactly! That's right!
Yoruichi gave him a sidelong glance, nudging Aizen's shoulder with her elbow playfully.
— Your smooth talk is really something, huh? I bet you've tricked plenty of girls with that line, haven't you?
— Lady Yoruichi, please, don't say things that could lead to misunderstandings…
— Heh, you didn't even deny it. Definitely the repressed type.
While the two exchanged jabs, on the field, Hishinobu's face was already contorted in pain.
— Guh… Argh!
With his breathing and trachea compressed, he began shaking instinctively, trying to break free from Arima Shinya.
But that was a fatal mistake.
Sudden movements like that only drained his energy, weakening him further.
'Seems no one here really understands grappling…'
Judo was one of the most practical forms of physical combat, and although the academy taught something similar — the so-called "ground techniques" — it was still far from specialized.
Arima Shinya thought of this, wrapping his arms around the opponent's neck like twin serpents tightening with lethal precision.
Hishinobu's face was turning red, and his body began to shake uncontrollably.
Seeing this, Arima Shinya felt confident.
Lack of oxygen.
The fight was already decided.
But then he noticed Hishinobu moving his arms — placing his hands on the forearm that held him.
Still resisting? Admirable, but useless.
In that position, there was no force in the world that could break that chokehold.
Victory was only a matter of time.
Or so he thought… until he heard Yoruichi's voice echo in the distance.
That teasing, firm, vibrant tone — like a commander encouraging her warriors.
— Just a technical duel is far too boring! Hishinobu, release your spiritual pressure!
Raising her right hand, Yoruichi waved it in front of her body, exuding an overwhelming presence.
— In the name of the Shihōin Clan, you are not permitted to lose here!
— Understood.
The moment he heard that, Arima Shinya's expression changed drastically.
That voice… came from below?!
What the hell?
Who's ever seen someone talk while being choked?!
Instinctively, he tried to squeeze even harder — but at that moment, a wave of energy burst from Hishinobu's body.
Arima Shinya narrowed his eyes.
This isn't good…
Before he could react, his entire body was lifted into the air.
The chokehold was broken in an instant — he didn't even have a chance to resist.
Hishinobu grabbed Arima Shinya's arm firmly, spinning the boy twice over his head.
— HAA!!!
With a ferocious roar, Arima Shinya was thrown like a doll, violently hitting the dojo floor — the impact so brutal it cracked the floorboards.
— Koff… koff…
Out of breath, the boy slowly stood amidst the rising dust.
His body trembled.
And then, a metallic taste rose to his throat.
— Puh!
He spat a hot jet of blood.